Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labor shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available. The program plays a key role in supporting industries facing seasonal or skill-specific labor demands.

Key Features of the TFWP

• Purpose: Designed to help Canadian employers address temporary labor shortages in specific industries or occupations.
• Employer Requirement: Employers must secure a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC before hiring foreign workers.
• Worker Eligibility: Foreign workers must meet the skill, education, and experience requirements of the position offered.
• Work Authorization: All foreign workers must obtain a valid work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Economic Contribution: Enables foreign nationals to gain Canadian work experience while contributing to Canada’s labor market and economy.
• Special Streams: Includes programs like the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Global Talent Stream (GTS) for high-demand occupations.

Eligibility Requirements

• Employers must demonstrate a genuine need for foreign workers to fill specific job vacancies.
• Job offers must comply with Canadian standards for wages, working conditions, and duration of employment.
• Employers must obtain a positive LMIA (unless exempted under specific programs).
• Foreign workers must have the required qualifications, training, and experience for the position.
• Workers must pass medical exams, background checks, and meet admissibility standards for entry into Canada.

Application Process

1. Step 1: Employer submits an LMIA application to ESDC, demonstrating efforts to recruit Canadians and the need for foreign workers.
2. Step 2: Upon receiving a positive LMIA, the employer issues a formal job offer to the foreign worker.
3. Step 3: The foreign worker applies for a work permit from IRCC, attaching the LMIA and job offer letter.
4. Step 4: Once approved, the worker can travel to Canada and begin employment with the authorized employer.

Popular TFWP Streams

• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): Allows employers to hire temporary agricultural workers from approved partner countries for seasonal farming activities.
• Global Talent Stream (GTS): Enables employers to quickly hire highly skilled workers in technology and specialized occupations, often with expedited processing times.
• High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams: Employers are classified based on the wage offered relative to the provincial median wage, impacting program compliance and housing obligations.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program ensures a balance between protecting Canadian jobs and supporting businesses that face genuine labor shortages. It also maintains strict compliance standards to ensure fair treatment and working conditions for all foreign workers in Canada.